Black bear wanders into Visalia, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Visalia Police said an officer saw a bear running near Mineral King elementary School just before 5 a.m. Thursday.

Police said they were able to track the bear and contain it in a fenced driveway of an apartment complex on Noble near Velie Drive. Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife then able to tranquilize the bear and remove it from the area.

Authorities later determined it was the same bear that had been spotted in Earlimart last week. They said because the bear had been seen twice in populated areas, they decided to euthanize the animal.

Police said the bear weighed about 150 pounds and was not aggressive.

Officials say the drought is causing more bears to go into populated area in search of food and water. On average, one bear is captured on the Valley floor each year. So far this year, 15 have been trapped.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Jessica Peres.